Heart-Healthy Classic Baked Turkey
Savor the irresistible flavors of a "Heart-Healthy Classic Baked Turkey," a wholesome twist on the traditional centerpiece of holiday feasts. This recipe boasts a tender and juicy 12-pound turkey infused with aromatic herbs like dried rosemary and thyme, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic for a zesty, herbaceous flavor profile. Moisture is locked in with a base of low-sodium vegetable broth, while fresh vegetables—onion, celery, and carrots—stuffed in the cavity add depth to every bite. The turkey’s golden, crispy skin is a testament to the olive oil rub that keeps things light yet indulgent. Roasted to perfection over four hours, it’s ideal for festive gatherings, offering heart-healthy satisfaction without compromising on taste. Perfectly paired with nutritious sides, this recipe transforms your holiday dinner into a guilt-free gourmet experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pounds whole turkey
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and black pepper.
Rub the olive oil mixture generously all over the turkey, making sure to coat the skin evenly.
Place the onion, parsley, celery, and carrots in the cavity of the turkey for added flavor.
Position the turkey breast side up on a roasting rack set in a large roasting pan.
Pour the vegetable broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to help keep the turkey moist during cooking.
Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and retain moisture.
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, checking periodically.
Remove the aluminum foil during the last 45 minutes of roasting to allow the skin to become golden brown.
Once fully cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Carve the turkey and serve with your choice of heart-healthy sides.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7935 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 234.5 g | 301% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.8 g | 304% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3810 mg | 1270% | |
| Sodium | 3887 mg | 169% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.3 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.9 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.6 g | ||
| Protein | 1313.2 g | 2626% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 917 mg | 71% | |
| Iron | 65.7 mg | 365% | |
| Potassium | 15304 mg | 326% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
